Chicago Can't Duck Gender Bias Suit Over Firefighter Test

Law360, Los Angeles (September 25, 2013, 4:37 PM EDT) -- An Illinois federal judge on Wednesday rejected the city of Chicago’s motion to dismiss a putative class action brought by female firefighter applicants who say that after successfully suing the city for racial discrimination over a written examination, they suffered gender discrimination when they failed a physical abilities test.

U.S. District Judge John T. Tharp Jr. sided with the proposed class, rejecting Chicago's argument that the women's case alleging they were discriminated against by the physical exam is barred because they shared in a backpay award...